September 20, 2017

Honey cheddar beer bread w/ honey butter

September's Fantastical Food Fight theme is: HONEY! I was really excited when I saw this month's theme because we really love honey around this house. We've been avoiding it over the past year since it's not safe for babies to eat until one year of age, but now our twins are over that so I can incorporate honey into my food and cooking again. I was going to make a dessert, but then I was leaning toward something more savory and decided since we had chili on our meal plan menu this week that a beer bread with honey would be perfect. Also, honey butter because, yum! Beer bread is such a quick side dish to whip up during soup and chili season. You'll have a quick, easy, and hearty side dish. Use a light colored beer (I used a lager) that doesn't have a super strong flavor so you don't overpower the bread. I based my recipe off of this one because I was intrigued by the addition of melted butter into the baking pan which I don't usually do when I make beer bread. It turned out delicious! This recipe will make one loaf of bread.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour about two tablespoons of the melted butter into a 9"x5" loaf pan. Brush around to coat the entire pan (there will be a lot in the bottom).

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the honey (if thick or at all crystalized, pop in the microwave for a few seconds so it is runny) and beer until almost combined. Add the cheese and stir until combined. Pour into the loaf pan. Brush the remaining melted butter on top.

Bake for 40-50 minutes, until golden and an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for about 5 minutes then remove from the pan and slice to serve.

While the bread bakes, prepare the honey butter by stirring all the ingredients together until well-combined. Set aside (you will probably have leftover butter, which is delicious on biscuits, your morning toast, etc.).

Out of all of the honey recipes this month, I think I can easily say that this one if my favorite...and it has everything to do with my love of carbs, cheese, beer, and honey!!! Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck - Colleen

Y.E.S. yes yes yes!! This looks impeccably good. Even though I don't really like beer, I LOVE beer in foods. It makes no sense whatsoever, but I'm not going to question it LOL. The only beer bread I have made is apple cheddar sage - which I loved - so I know I would love this one too!